Perceived quality.

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BCO

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I noticed something the other day when driving around in a friend's 2007 Polo that raised some questions in my mind.

The previous Polo, and VWs in general are always praised for their high quality, stylish interiors. Subarus, like my '05 Impreza, on the other hand, are generally criticised for their low-rent interiors. Having said that, it was my distinct impression that the Polo's interior was rather low-rent itself and certainly no better than the Impreza's.

Am I missing something? What's so great about a '07 Polo's interior compared to a '05 Impreza's interior?

1148281458-polotdi2.jpg


i.subaru.impreza.2006.WRX.int.05sep.jpg
 
I've heard the same as well, numerous times.

But wow! That Subaru's interior looks way, way better!
 
In fairness, you're comparing a Polo to an Impreza. How about comparing it to the equivalent Golf/Jetta?
 
Mike Hoxbig said:
In fairness, you're comparing a Polo to an Impreza. How about comparing it to the equivalent Golf/Jetta?
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You're right in a sense, yes. But considering I got my Impreza for R94k, it's directly comparable to used Polos.

What I'm getting at is that the Polo is one class below the Impreza in terms of model positioning, but it's supposedly the best in its class in terms of interior quality. The Impreza is supposedly the worst in its class in terms of interior quality, but it's still way better (IMO) than the Polo. So the top of the D segment is still not as good as the bottom of the C segment.
 
BCO said:
You're right in a sense, yes. But considering I got my Impreza for R94k, it's directly comparable to used Polos.

What I'm getting at is that the Polo is one class below the Impreza in terms of model positioning, but it's supposedly the best in its class in terms of interior quality. The Impreza is supposedly the worst in its class in terms of interior quality, but it's still way better (IMO) than the Polo. So the top of the D segment is still not as good as the bottom of the C segment.
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Resale values vary across brands, which is why it would be fair to draw comparison based on the list price.

I agree that the interior of the Impreza is better than that of the equivalently priced used Polo, however when compared to it's rivals in the same market segment, not only does it lose out on the interior, but on resale value too.

It would suck to be the guy who bought the Impreza new, as he would have taken a serious hit. As a second hand purchase though it's hard to fault. The problem with that is that in order to buy second hand, you'd need people willing to take the knock by buying it new.
 
Mike Hoxbig said:
Resale values vary across brands, which is why it would be fair to draw comparison based on the list price.

I agree that the interior of the Impreza is better than that of the equivalently priced used Polo, however when compared to it's rivals in the same market segment, not only does it lose out on the interior, but on resale value too.

It would suck to be the guy who bought the Impreza new, as he would have taken a serious hit. As a second hand purchase though it's hard to fault. The problem with that is that in order to buy second hand, you'd need people willing to take the knock by buying it new.
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Yeah. Luckily for me someone took a knock buying a new Impreza which I then picked up for cheap. Loving the 2.5rs - makes me wonder why anybody would pay the same price for a POlo with the same mileage.
 
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I notice that even in CAR magazine buyers guide they say "perceived quality" as a pro for the Polo.
 
To be honest I can see why they've classed the Imprezza interior as low-rent, what is up with the silver plastic looking dashboard? Though driving a Polo I will say that it is definitely perceived quality in the interior, even with Golfs and Jetta's my dad had the top of the range Jetta 4 and the interior was better then BMW's until you took a closer look. Things would snap off easily, carpets would ride up, rattles in the dashboard. The Polo also is actually no where near as nice control wise as my 1997 Astra's was, the indicator stalks feel flimsier, the aircon buttons doesn't have a nice tactile feel to it, the gear lever feels softish. But other then that it does look better, so perceived definite, actual no.
 
Funny you should mention a 2.5RS and a Polo. I have a Subaru Impreza 2.5RS and a friend of mine got a 1.6 Polo. I try to drive her car as often as possible to save money on petrol. The Subaru is a much better drive but I can put R50 in the Polo and actually go somewhere :-)
 
Now if you actually compare it to a Golf 5 (which should actually be more comparable than a Polo), the Golf is way better.

Volkswagen_Golf_V_Interior.jpg
 
I drove a polo for 2 weeks recently. I was not impressed with the interior. Even a Yaris feels superior.
 
Polo's have always had k@k interiors if you ask me... they've never been great.
 
ToxicBunny said:
Polo's have always had k@k interiors if you ask me... they've never been great.
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Yip - they're one of VW's lower end cars - one up from the Citi/Velicity Golf's and the like.

Interesting how the OP would compare it to an Impreza.
 
I couldn't care what it gets compared to...

There are cars with MUCH better interiors for the same kind of price range if you ask me... (and I'm talking new)
 
Subaru interior looks at it's worst when the tappit is inside.
 
genetic said:
Yip - they're one of VW's lower end cars - one up from the Citi/Velicity Golf's and the like.

Interesting how the OP would compare it to an Impreza.
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I was comparing them because people buy new Vivos and used Polos for more money than used Imprezas with the same mileage. Further, Polos are supposed to have awesome interiors and Imprezas are meant to have *** interiors, but I think the Impreza's is better.
 
BCO said:
I was comparing them because people buy new Vivos and used Polos for more money than used Imprezas with the same mileage. Further, Polos are supposed to have awesome interiors and Imprezas are meant to have *** interiors, but I think the Impreza's is better.
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Agreed.

I actually prefer the older generation Polo interiors (2003 - 2006). So much better looking.

Volkswagen-Polo_Sedan_2003_1024x768_wallpaper_09.jpg
 
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